As summer nears, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home’s exterior for a more inviting, stylish, and comfortable space. Longer days and warmer weather make outdoor renovations ideal, whether enhancing curb appeal, improving energy efficiency, or creating a relaxing oasis. A well-planned makeover boosts aesthetics, functionality, and property value, ensuring lasting benefits.
In this guide, we’ll explore various exterior home makeover ideas to help you achieve the perfect balance of comfort and style.
1. Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space
Transforming your outdoor living space is one of the most effective ways to enhance comfort and style. According to US News, outdoor space holds significant value, especially in urban areas. Real estate agents ranked it as the third-most prioritized feature for homebuyers. Additionally, one square foot of outdoor space is estimated to be worth 25 to 50% of the value of interior space.
This makes upgrading your outdoor living space a smart investment, especially if you’re looking to increase your home’s value and appeal. By creating inviting areas for relaxation and entertainment, you can maximize your outdoor space’s potential and enjoy both immediate and long-term benefits.
Create a relaxing and social outdoor space by choosing comfortable, weather-resistant furniture. Provide shade with stylish structures like pergolas, umbrellas, or retractable awnings. Create a cozy and inviting outdoor space with ambient lighting like lanterns or string lights, rugs, and cushions.
If you enjoy hosting, an outdoor kitchen or fire pit makes a great spot for get-togethers. A patio or deck built with long-lasting materials such as natural stone or composite wood adds value and functionality to your home.
What outdoor furniture materials hold up best in summer weather?
The best materials for outdoor furniture that withstand summer weather include teak, aluminum, wrought iron, resin wicker, and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) lumber. Teak resists moisture and sun damage, aluminum is rust-proof, and wrought iron is durable. Resin wicker and HDPE lumber are durable and can withstand the elements, making them perfect for outdoor furniture that lasts.
2. Refresh Your Home’s Exterior with a New Paint Job
A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to give your home’s exterior a vibrant and polished look. Weather conditions in areas with diverse climates can lead to exterior paint fading, peeling, or cracking, making regular maintenance essential.
For example, Renton has warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters, with yearly temperatures typically between 37°F and 79°F, according to WeatherSpark. August is the hottest month, averaging 78°F, while December is the coldest, with lows of 37°F. Rainfall peaks in November at 8.0 inches, while July is the driest month. Snow is minimal, with January averaging 1.5 inches.
For homeowners in the Pacific Northwest, the harsh climate can take a toll on exterior surfaces. A fresh coat of high-quality, weather-resistant paint helps protect against moisture damage and UV exposure while enhancing curb appeal. Hiring professionals ensures a flawless finish and expert guidance on the best color choices and finishes.
Renton house painters can guide homeowners in choosing durable, UV-resistant paints that suit their home’s architectural style while enduring seasonal changes. Whether you prefer a bold new color or a subtle refresh, a professional paint job enhances curb appeal. A well-executed exterior makeover also boosts home value and ensures long-term durability.
EA Pro Painters highlights that spring and summer are the most popular seasons for exterior painting due to favorable weather. However, experienced painters can complete projects year-round, adapting to various conditions. With specialized paints, tools, and safety measures, they ensure a high-quality, efficient finish in any season.
How often should I repaint my home’s exterior for long-lasting protection?
Exterior paint typically lasts several years, but its longevity depends on factors like climate, paint quality, and surface preparation. Regular inspections help identify signs of peeling, cracking, or fading, signaling the need for a new coat. Repainting as needed ensures your home stays protected and visually appealing.
3. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Switching to energy-efficient windows and doors is a wise move for summer comfort and lower energy bills. Old windows and doors often let heat in, forcing your AC to work overtime. Newer, energy-efficient choices, like double or triple-paned glass with Low-E coatings, minimize heat transfer and keep your home cooler.
Frames made of composite materials, fiberglass or vinyl, offer superior insulation compared to those made of aluminum or wood. Effective sealing and weather stripping help prevent air leaks, enhancing energy efficiency. Opting for ENERGY STAR®-rated windows and doors boosts thermal performance, ensuring a cooler, more stylish home while reducing energy costs.
According to EnergyStar.gov, the average household spends $1,900 annually on utilities, with nearly half going to heating and cooling. Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR-certified ones can reduce energy bills by 12%, saving over $200 per year. These windows also feature invisible coatings that block solar heat, ensuring year-round comfort.
4. Upgrade to a Cool Roof
Cool roofs boost summer comfort and energy savings. Unlike heat-absorbing dark roofs, they reflect sunlight and release heat, keeping homes cooler. Reflective shingles, coated metal roofing, and cool roof membranes minimize heat buildup, reducing AC costs and improving indoor temperatures.
These roofs come in a range of styles and colors, enhancing your home’s look while ensuring lasting durability. Proper insulation and ventilation further boost energy efficiency. Plus, many local governments provide rebates for energy-efficient roofing, making it an affordable and smart investment for long-term savings and improved comfort.
5. Improve Landscaping for Natural Cooling
Thoughtful landscaping creates cooler, more comfortable outdoor spaces in summer. Shade trees, like maples or oaks, planted near windows and seating areas block sunlight and lower indoor temperatures. Shrubs and vines act as natural windbreaks, improving air circulation around your home.
Incorporating ground cover plants and grass instead of heat-absorbing pavement can also lower surrounding temperatures. Also, water features like fountains or ponds contribute to evaporative cooling, making outdoor spaces more refreshing. Choosing drought-resistant plants minimizes water usage while maintaining a lush, green environment.
A study published by ScienceDirect found that shade trees reduce a building’s air conditioning demand by blocking solar radiation on walls and roofs. Trees also lower ambient temperatures through evapotranspiration, creating a cooler environment. This helps mitigate urban heat island effects, making residential areas more comfortable and energy-efficient.
How can I create a low-maintenance, summer-friendly garden?
For an easy-care summer garden, select drought-tolerant plants such as succulents, lavender, and native varieties. Use drip irrigation for efficient watering. Choose long-lasting perennials instead of annuals. Add decorative rocks and hardscaping for visual interest and less maintenance.
6. Modernize Your Home’s Exterior with New Siding
Replacing your home’s siding significantly improves its appearance and energy efficiency. Old siding can deteriorate, impacting curb appeal and insulation. Durable, low-maintenance materials like vinyl, engineered wood, or fiber cement improve insulation.
Light-colored, reflective siding helps keep homes cool by minimizing heat absorption, making them perfect for summer renovations. Insulated siding adds an extra layer of protection against heat transfer, improving indoor comfort.
Transform Your Home for a Comfortable Summer
Upgrading your home’s exterior this summer enhances both comfort and value while improving energy efficiency. Implementing these makeover ideas creates a stylish, inviting space that stays cool even in peak heat. Start planning today to enjoy a refreshed, more comfortable home all season long.
